Not necessarily hurricanes, quite honestly WDW has to worry about severe thunderstorms which bring micro bursts and tornadoes more than hurricanes. It is common practice as well required by building code to tie these temporary structures down. I am pretty sure the lift is for the large anamatronic figure in center of the room.They have an elevator at the Tiki Room? Don't recall seeing it, interesting. Also, some of the permits were tying down various sheds and merchandise carts. Was that preperation for hurricanes and such?